Atiku Prioritizes Nigeria’s Current Crisis Over 2027 Presidential Ambitions

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed that his primary concern is addressing Nigeria’s current challenges rather than focusing on the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku’s statement comes in response to remarks made by PDP Board of Trustees member, Bode George, who suggested that Atiku should reconsider running for the presidency in 2027 and instead follow the example of U.S. President Joe Biden by stepping aside for younger leaders.

However, Atiku dismissed this advice and urged George to focus on advising President Bola Tinubu to reassess policies that have negatively impacted Nigerians, rather than speculating about his political future.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized that discussing the 2027 election is premature given the current difficulties faced by the nation.

“We cannot afford to put the cart before the horse,” Atiku stated. “My focus is not on 2027; it is on 2024, 2025, 2026, and beyond. My concern is the plight of Nigerians who are currently enduring immense hardship due to the misguided policies of this administration.”

He added, “The average citizen, and indeed all Nigerians, need to survive the chaos that has come to define President Bola Tinubu’s government. It is insensitive to talk about the 2027 elections when the mandate from 2023 has yet to deliver any substantial benefit to the people, who are worse off in every aspect of life.”

Atiku further noted that Bode George should redirect his efforts toward advising Tinubu to rethink some of his controversial policies, which have only served to deepen poverty and exacerbate divisions within the country.

“Instead of focusing on the politics of 2027, George should counsel Tinubu to reevaluate these damaging policies,” Atiku concluded.